29 July 1937 – 9 June 2025
29 July 1937 – 9 June 2025
At John's request a private farewell will be held, a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.
Think of me as one at rest,
for me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts
for I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was,
is now forever still
And life goes on without me now,
as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now
because I’ve gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend
For none of us can stay
Those of you who liked me,
I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me,
I thank you most of all.
And in my fleeting lifespan,
as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate,
to laugh, to love, to cry
Matters it now if time began
If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all,
and now I am at peace.
AJ Stanley
Dear Uncle John, it's with immense sadness to hear of your passing. I have many special memories and will forever remember the last ones when we travelled around Norway, the night on the Guinness and Gladys driving us home - fun and laughter is what I remember most. Sleep tight - good night and God bless x
With only a few years between us i have many happy memories of John—-family gatherings at Granny’s, Christmasses at Toft Hill,long days at the beach with cousins enjoying playing cricket, hot rice and rock pooling. When they moved to New Zealand contact was difficult but there was always a long Christmas letter from Gladys with news of the family. It was lovely to see John and Gladys again when they started to come to England and the to stay with them in New Zealand.and meet his lovely family of which he was so proud. Recently it has been lang FaceTime catch ups. We have shared the same outlook on life,politics and general philosophy. I’ll miss him dearly as will Jeff. We both send much love to Gladys,Paul,Josh and Emma..
I last met John in Ely, England when he and Gladys visited the UK a few years before covid. We had a fantastic day together. Fond memories to look back on. Condolences to family and friends. RIP John.
Fond farewell John. It was great to know you. You and the whole family were so kind and generous to me and my children, Billie and Ike, when we visited. Sleep soundly, we will think of you with love. Pete
Despite not I seeing much of Uncle John over the last few years, I really felt a sense of loss on hearing he had passed. I have exceptionally fond memories of the family visits and his fun and loving nature. You will be mssed. Love Colin
Love you Uncle John.
I have a fond memory of visiting John and Gladys in NZ when I was little, exploring in the garden when John showed me how the ferns would curl up if you touched their leaves, and we searched for kiwis together. His presence was so joyful and fun. Sending my love to everyone xx
I loved our shared time & the joy you brought with you each time you visited. It’s sad I didn’t get the opportunity to visit you again in New Zealand but you were always in our hearts. I’ll get some blue ribbons in to have a tea & think of you. Much love to Aunty Gladys & Paul, you may be far away in miles but have a special place in our hearts & minds. Much love Helen xx
Growing up I remember looking forwards to Uncle John and Auntie Gladys coming to visit us in the UK. Uncle John was always so joyful & full of energy. He would pull lollies out from his hat, which we thought was hilarious. I wish I’d been able to come over to NZ to visit. Sending my love to all the family.
I didn't know John well but recognised enough the inherent and grounded beauty of the man that was surely a blessing to all who benefited from his presence in their lives. Heartfelt commiserations to Gladys, Paul and grandchildren, and all else who know him closely. Rest in Peace John, and all those in grief.
Dear sister Gladys, Your brothers and sisters and families in England have asked me, your youngest living brother, to post this tribute to John. It's hard to find adequate words to express our sadness for your loss but we hope, besides your heartache, you remember it's also a time to celebrate the wonderful life you and John shared throughout all those years together. Edna and I will never forget the wonderful time we spent with you, John, Paul and family when we visited in 2016. Although all of us can not be there with you now, we are in spirit and thinking of you always. I think the following poem would more than anything express how John would want you to think of him. Much love from all of us. Right now I’m in a different place And though we seem apart I’m closer than I ever was, I’m there inside your heart. I’m with you when you greet each day And while the sun shines bright I’m there to share the sunsets, too I’m with you every night. I’m with you when the times are good To share a laugh or two, And if a tear should start to fall I’ll still be there for you. And when that day arrives That we no longer are apart, I’ll smile and hold you close to me, Forever in my heart.
While I haven’t seen Uncle John since I was very little, I still have strong memories of his jolly and loving character. A very strong memory I have from when I was a child is him sneaking us ‘lollies’ in every opportunity he got! Loads of love to the people closest to him Xxx -Sami
Dad, we have had a turbulent relationship, as have all fathers and sons. But spending your last hours with you was an honour. Give Stephen and Solange big hugs from me. Love you ways. Paul
I will always have fond memories of John on our visits at christmas and other family get togethers. Rest in love Uncle🤍

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